I suggested that it was time to leave.

[joham]

I suggested that it was time to leave.
This sentence is taken from Collins. My question is: does the verb 'suggested' here mean 'put forward (an idea)' or 'stated indirectly'?

Could I ask native speakers to help me please? Thank you in advance.

[BobK]

I suggested that it was time to leave.
This sentence is taken from Collins. My question is: does the verb 'suggested' here mean 'put forward (an idea)' or 'stated indirectly'?

Could I ask native speakers to help me please? Thank you in advance.

It's a usage that some people avoid. I hate going to the local cinema because they always show a notice that reads

After the performance, we suggest that the doors at the front of the theatre give quicker access to the car park.

The 'suggestion' in this case is a lie. What they mean is 'it'll make it easier for us to get more paying customers in more quickly'.

In my calmer moments, I have to recognize that people are using 'suggest' in ways like this; it seems to mean 'say, but in as uncontentious a way as possible'. 'I said that it was time to leave' means 'I said "It's time to leave"'; 'I suggested that it was time to leave' seems to mean something like 'I said "Wouldn't you agree that it's time to leave? I don't want to be a party-pooper, but the baby-sitter will charge extra if we get back after midnight".'

b

[joham]

It's a usage that some people avoid. I hate going to the local cinema because they always show a notice that reads



The 'suggestion' in this case is a lie. What they mean is 'it'll make it easier for us to get more paying customers in more quickly'.

In my calmer moments, I have to recognize that people are using 'suggest' in ways like this; it seems to mean 'say, but in as uncontentious a way as possible'. 'I said that it was time to leave' means 'I said "It's time to leave"'; 'I suggested that it was time to leave' seems to mean something like 'I said "Wouldn't you agree that it's time to leave? I don't want to be a party-pooper, but the baby-sitter will charge extra if we get back after midnight".'

b

Hi, Bobk. Thank you for your trouble. But I still don't quite understand. Are you saying that in this CONLLINS sentence the 'suggested' means 'stated indirectly'? And it is not a good sentence?

Thank you again.

[BobK]

Hi, Bobk. Thank you for your trouble. But I still don't quite understand. Are you saying that in this CONLLINS sentence the 'suggested' means 'stated indirectly'? And it is not a good sentence?

Thank you again.

The dictionary was recognizing a usage that not everyone would call 'good' - "stated indirectly'.

b